The Dish: Bagel mania

Though best known for its breakfast fame, bagels are a satisfying meal or snack any time of day. Some fans love them plain or coated with seeds, salt or onion, or flavored with cinnamon, blueberry or spinach.

My all-time perfect bagel is sesame seed, and it has to be crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. Thankfully, the three spots Iím about to mention make bagels exactly the way I love them! Whether you like your bagels plain, with butter or cream cheese, egg, lox or the like, youíre sure to be satisfied with these picks!

Get ready to chow down on one of lifeís truly delish (and inexpensive) foods!

My first spot is Bordentown Bagels, a bagel paradise so to speak, located in a strip mall on Route 206. When you ask around about a place to get bagels, this is a spot people are talking about. And now I can see why.

With so many options to choose from, I selected a classic egg and American cheese on a sesame bagel with ketchup, salt and pepper to season for $2. What a great deal!

Egg and cheese filled each bite, bringing a pleased smile to my mouth. The bagel itself was just the consistency I prefer, and its size appeased my appetite.

With superb customer service and quality food, Bordentown Bagels has become a winner in my book. I definitely recommend starting your day off right at this hot spot in town.

5 Mission Road #7Bordentown(609) 291-8150

My second place is actually famous for their French Toast Bagel, with a delicious brown sugary glaze. It looks like French toast, tastes like it, and it goes perfectly with butter. Central Perk & Bagel Company in Hamilton is another bagel ďheavenĒ people are talking about.

I was there recently and ordered my perfect sesame with cream cheese. The top was just the way I like itÖ crispy, and the inside was soft and chewy. I barely made it down the street before the first half was gone. What an inexpensive meal, filing my belly for around$2.

The one thing that makes this place different from any bagel spot Iíve been to is you get to choose your own bagel, and the staff does the rest. Fresh, warm bagels are plentiful in bins so come ready to hand select your favorites. Plus, my friends, these bagels are large, and will definitely satisfy your appetite.

Central Perk is a perfect, inexpensive spot to meet a friend for coffee and a quick bite, as they offer plenty of tables and chairs! Catering and delivery ($15 minimum to local area) services available.

Iíve heard rave reviews about Bagels N Cream (located in the Foxmoor Shopping Center in Robbinsville) so I had to try them. When I arrived, the line was out the door (which means they are doing something right), giving me more time to decide on my selections.

I was in the mood for tuna salad so I ordered an egg bagel with tuna and lettuce for $4. The sandwich was tasty and satisfying, packed with a good amount of tuna. The bagel was crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It totally hit the spot.

If youíre craving more of a gourmet type of bagel sandwich, try their ďThe SexyĒ (Grilled chicken breast covered with strips of roasted peppers, & herb mayo) for $6.50, which also includes a pickle and choice of potato salad, macaroni salad or cole slaw. This sounds fab to me!

Combine the plentiful bagel choices (including a blueberry crunch that looks amazing) with friendly staff, and itís definitely a place I will continue to visit.

1051 Washington Blvd.Robbinsville

(609) 426-4414One thing Iíve learned on my bagel adventures is these yummy ring shaped rolls are extremely popular, especially on the weekends. I recommend getting your bagels early when the lines arenít so long. Then relax, and sink your teeth into one of Americaís all-time favorite delights.